Nothing says adventure like a National Park honeymoon road trip. For couples considering a visit to one of the U.S. National Parks, there are endless opportunities for exploring and outdoor activities on a honeymoon in one of these outdoor sanctuaries. Take the road less traveled and discover some of the best outdoor trips in the US to escape to. Full of bonding, thrill, and new memories, enjoy a honeymoon road trip you and your forever adventure buddy will be sure to remember.
Ready to start planning your trip? When you book with Celebration Wishes Travel you can rest assured that every single detail of your trip will be handled with care. Fill out our interest form to learn more today!
10 Best National Park Honeymoon Road Trips
1. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in California is the Nation’s 3rd largest national park and a great option for a honeymoon trip. Known for its majestic waterfalls, towering mountains, and beautiful meadows, Yosemite is home to giant sequoias and is a lively ecosystem for a variety of forest critters. Couples who choose to visit could spend the entirety of their honeymoon wandering the park and sharing a range of activities together. Just make sure to catch the epic view of El Cap while you’re there.
For couples road tripping through California, we recommend making a stop here while heading north to the Redwoods or south on the way to Sequoia.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Things to Do:
- Fish in one of the many streams or rivers
- Hike over one of the 700 miles of trails
- Horseback ride among giant sequoias
- Raft in the Merced River
- Rock climbing
- Firefall Waterfall in February
2. Yellowstone National Park
Covering a variety of Native Lands, Yellowstone National Park received its name from the Minnetaree Tribe, who named the major river that runs through the park, Yellow Rock River, or mi tse a-da-zi. Being the Nation’s first National Park, it spans over 2.2 million acres and can make for an action packed or rejuvenating escape. There are lodges available for couples who would prefer indoor accommodations over camping and the central location is fairly easy to access.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Things to Do:
- Have a Yellowstone spa day, hot springs included
- Glamp at Conestoga Ranch
- Skii during winter months
- Bike through the park
- Visit Old Faithful
3. Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the more popular national parks for honeymoons. Its stunning scenery, including vast canyons and rushing rivers, make this a trek worth taking with your love. Maybe it’s the gorgeous red rock formations, or the sheer marvel of its size and beauty, travelers keep coming back to Arizona for more. There are plenty of activities to keep honeymooning couples entertained, such as hiking, biking, and rafting.
If you’re looking for a less crowded photo op, make sure to get to Horseshoe Bend at sunrise or on a weekday and avoid the wait or any potential photobombs.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Things to Do:
- Attend a ‘Geo Glimpse’ program and learn some history of the Canyon
- Snap some selfies for the ‘gram with your PIC at Horseshoe Bend
- Take yourselves on a walking photography tour
- Whitewater raft on the river
- Walk the Trail of Time
4. Zion National Park
Zion National Park is Utah’s first National Park and a great option for a honeymoon road trip. The park is known for its colossal climbing opportunities, towering cliffs, and picturesque hiking trails. Angel’s Landing is one of the world renown trails that lures in visitors from across the globe to make the 5.5 mile ascent. Teeming with energy, rivers, slot canyons, and enveloped by the notorious red sandstone, Zion National Park welcomes all who visit its sanctuary with open valleys and warm colors waiting to be traversed.
We recommend bringing a good pair of water shoes if you plan on visiting The Narrows, since the Virgin River does flow through it.
Photo Credit: Sarena Macias
Things to Do:
- Hike Angel’s Landing, but only if you do not have a fear of heights
- Visit The Narrows, one of the world’s best slot canyons
- Take a breather at Zion Human History Museum
- Kayak in the Virgin River
- Rock climb
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the smaller parks on our list, but is a great escape for couples who want a taste of the Great Outdoors but aren’t ready to fully commit to a park for their entire honeymoon. Enveloped by foliage and small bodies of water, it is a picture perfect park that is easy to get to and suitable for year round visits. Located in Ohio, within driving distance from Boston and Cleveland, this is an awesome choice for couples who may want to visit while staying in one of the neighboring cities or passing through during their road trip.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Things to Do:
- Hike to Blue Hen Falls (which can also be done if you’re staying in Boston)
- Bike the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
- Paddle along the Cuyahoga River
- Picnic at Horseshoe Pond
- Ride the train
6. Acadia National Park
If the East Coast is calling your name, make a visit to Acadia National Park in Maine. One of the Nation’s most visited parks, it’s a fairly accessible destination with stunning waterfront views that has activities for all who visit. Just remember to purchase a pass before arriving and keep any fur children on leashes while there!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Things to Do:
- Drive up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S.
- Visit the wonder that is Bubble Rock
- Learn about Wabanaki Heritage
- Swim at Echo Lake Beach
- Explore the tidepools
- Hike Beehive Trail
7. Badlands National Park
The Badlands of South Dakota breed grandeur, grit, and are grounds for ancient history. Covering 244,000 acres, visitors can almost hear its great mysteries whirling through the dust and whipping wind. The park received its name thanks to the Lakota People who named it mako sica, which translates to “badlands,” because the area was a challenge for travel. It’s a great choice for fearless duos that are fully in tune with their wild side and hoping to connect with nature and each other simultaneously.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Things to Do:
- Learn about its Native History at The White River Visitor Center with Lakota Tribe
- Take a scenic drive on Badlands Loop Road (aka Highway 240)
- Make a pit stop at Wall Drug for a 5¢ coffee
- Watch the sunrise at Panorama Point
- Hike the Notch Trail
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
If otherworldly rock formations peak your interest then look no further than Bryce Canyon. Widely known for its towering hoodoos, it holds the world’s largest collection of these enchanting pillars. Given its high altitude it’s also a stellar choice for star seekers, as this location is prime for late night stargazing under the dark but expansive Utah skies.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Things to Do:
- Take the Scenic Drive
- Find Thor’s hammer
- Hike the Hoodoos
- Stargaze
- Birdwatch
9. Redwood National and State Parks
Home to the tallest trees on Earth and Big Foot… that is, if you believe… Redwood National Park is a site worth seeing and experiencing with the love of your life. Prepare to feel childlike as you roam among the magnificence this park has to offer. Find yourself in awe and humbled by the mysteries of Mother Earth while surrounded by trees as old as 1500 years old at towering heights of up to 350ft.
Keep in mind, once you’re in the park there are no convenience stores or gas stations so be sure to stock up on necessities before pitching your tent.
Photo Credit: Sarena Macias
Things to Do:
- Cruise down Avenue of the Giants
- Look for Bigfoot… if you believe
- Drive Through Shrine Tree
- Visit Tall Tree
- Elk Watching
10. Rocky Mountain National Park
If mountain peaks and greenery are what you’d consider Heaven on Earth, then the Rocky Mountains may be the place for you and your boo. This lush National Park destination is boasting with life and offers a welcoming forest environment for honeymooners looking to get cozy in new heights. This park does require entry reservations, so make sure to plan your stay here in advance.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Things to Do:
- Snowshoe during winter months
- Take a self-guided driving tour
- Private elk watching tour
- Hike Gem Lake
- Camp
A visit to any of the above parks will leave couples with a renewed sense of appreciation for each other and the beauty of nature. So start mapping out your honeymoon road trip today.
